Vikings Will Rely on Rookie CB in Week 16
The Minnesota Vikings are less than an hour away from kicking off their Week 16 matchup against the Detroit Lions.
Heading into that game, the Vikings have released their inactive list for the afternoon, and it appears that Minnesota will be relying on a rookie CB to take over a starting role after Byron Murphy was officially listed as inactive on Sunday morning. Namely, Mekhi Blackmon should be in line for that starting spot.
Vikings Will Rely on Rookie CB in Week 16
Here is a look at the full list of inactive players for Minnesota on Sunday:
- S Lewis Cine
- CB Byron Murphy
- QB Josh Dobbs
- TE Nick Muse
- IOL Chris Reed
- RT Brian O’Neill
- WR Jalen Nailor
Murphy was officially ruled out on Friday because of a lingering hamstring injury. His absence is concerning heading into a game against some talented pass-catchers on Detroit’s roster such as Amon-Ra St. Brown and rookie tight end Sam LaPorta.
Luckily, Blackmon has performed wonderfully with his opportunities during his rookie season. The CB has recorded 32 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 7 passes defended, and earned his first NFL interception back in Week 10 against the New Orleans Saints.
The Vikings trenches will also be shorthanded on Sunday as right tackle Brian O’Neill is officially inactive for the second consecutive game. David Quessenberry will make his third start of the season as a result.
Minnesota won’t be without any of Jordan Hicks, Danielle Hunter, Harrison Phillips, or Sheldon Day on the defensive side, though, and Alexander Mattison will also suit up this week after being out in Week 15.
Given the fact that Ty Chandler had a very solid game last weekend despite the Vikings’ loss (23 carries, 132 yards, and a touchdown), it will be interesting to see how the carry load balances out between the two backs.
Detroit comes into the weekend allowing 3.8 yards per carry (sixth-best in the NFL), so this will be a big test for the RB duo. Kickoff between the two teams is scheduled for 12 PM Central at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The Vikings’ Depth Chart Going Into Their Week 16 Game Against the Lions
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.